Security air vent

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this Air Vent is to safeguard the security of the public potable water system, especially in such enclosed structures as reservoir and clearwell and other vital air vented installations against sabotages, vandalism and other accidental contamination by animals or birds.  
     The conventional air vents would allow the free movements of air in and out of the enclosed structure through the vent, but will not be able to stop the penetration of other (toxic) liquids or solids of getting through the vent openings.  
     The fundamental difference of this Security Air Vent is that it will not allow any (toxic) liquids or solids to get through the vent, even these liquids or solids are being applied under pressure. Yet it functions as a normal air vent allowing free movements of air in and out through the vent at all times.

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The normal functions of an Air Vent are:

[0002] a) To allow the free movements of air in and out of an enclosed structure through the vent.

EXAMPLES

[0003] FIG. A—Common existing air vent with fixed louvers.

[0004] FIG. B—Existing air vent with motorised shutters.

[0005] b) To prevent the penetration of rain water into the structure.

Examples

[0006] FIG. A—All fixed louvers sloped downwards at the outer side.

[0007] FIG. B—Motorized shutters open fully when in use with an exhaust fan. The Shutters will shut close when not in use and thus preventing the penetration of rain water from outside.

[0008] The fundamental difference of this Security Air Vent is that it will not allow any (toxic) liquids or solids to get through the vent even these liquids or solids are being applied under pressure. Yet it functions as a normal air vent allowing free air movements in and out through the vent at all times. Whereas, existing conventional air vents would allow the penetration of other (toxic) liquids or solids of getting through the vent openings, especially when these liquids or solids are being applied through the vent openings with just minimum pressure.

[0009] This design is based on the concept of dissipation of incoming energy imposed upon it by the external force or pressure, either in the state of solid or liquid.

[0010] The energy absorbent design arrangement of the S-shape structural members in the outer stage will dissipate most or all of the incoming energy.

[0011] A similar secondary stage protection arrangement inside will further ensure the dissipation of the remaining energy, if there remains of any residue.

[0012] Further protection could be added by installing a reservoir type partition inside for some special locations that call for extreme security measures.

[0013] Structural member could be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminium, fibreglass or plastic.

[0014] It is most useful for safeguarding the security of the public potable water system, especially for those enclosed potable water reservoir, clearwell in the filtration plant and other vital air vented installations against sabotages, vandalism and other accidental contamination by animals or birds.

[0015] The special design arrangement of the structural members of the Security Air Vent are as shown on the Design Sketch FIG. SAV-01. 

1. The Security Air Vent consists of two stages of specially designed S-shape energy absorbent and dissipation structural members.
 2. These S-shape members are purposely arranged in such formation so that the ultimate objective of security is obtained without compromising its basic function as an Air Vent.
 3. The special formation of the S-shape members will allow free flow of air in and out of the Vent.
 4. The special formation of the S-shape members will not allow the penetration of any (toxic) liquids or solids through the vent, even these liquids or solids are being forced under pressure.
 5. The specially designed energy absorbent arrangement of the S-shape members in the outer stage will dissipate most or all of the incoming applied energies of the liquids or solids.
 6. A similar secondary inner stage will further ensure the dissipation of the remaining energy, if there remains of any residue.
 7. Further security protection could be added, if necessary, by installing a reservoir type partition inside for some special locations that call for extreme security measures.
 8. The formation of the S-shape members will lead all the incoming energy-dissipated liquids or solids flowing down inside the vent exiting outside the Vent.
 9. There is another advantage from its outside physical appearance. It looks more like a metal siding wall of the building rather than an actual air vent. Therefore, it will arouse less attention.
 10. The outer screen will prevent the intrusion of birds or animals, thus preventing the possible contamination of the potable water storing inside. 